Ceres, CA – Early Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024, a high-speed pursuit on Highway 99 led to a serious crash, leaving three individuals, including two teenage boys, with major injuries, according to The Modesto Bee.
The collision occurred around 3:30 AM when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer spotted a black Jeep SUV speeding near the Fifth Street off-ramp in Ceres. The officer attempted to overtake the speeding vehicle, activating his lights and sirens.
However, the driver of the SUV, a 17-year-old from Modesto, allegedly ignored these signals to stop and exited the highway at Hatch Road, only to reenter southbound Highway 99 moments later.
The pursuit continued until the driver exited at Mitchell Road, approximately four miles south. The Jeep crashed into a light post at the bottom of the off-ramp, causing it to catch fire.
Quick action from officers on the scene allowed them to rescue all three occupants before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The driver’s seat belt had to be cut to free him.
In addition to the 17-year-old driver, the SUV occupants included a 16-year-old from San Lorenzo and a 20-year-old from Hayward, both of whom sustained major injuries. All three were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The 17-year-old driver was arrested on multiple charges, including vehicle theft, fleeing law enforcement, and causing injuries during the pursuit. He was subsequently booked into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall on Tuesday.
Passenger Liability
The liability insurance that drivers carry is designed to cover accidental harm caused not only to those outside the vehicle but also to passengers within it. A driver is responsible for the safety of everyone in their vehicle.
While making a Wrongful Death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim personally can be emotionally challenging, the financial burdens following a vehicular accident can be substantial.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help grieving families seek proper compensation for their loss by navigating these complex issues and negotiating on the victim’s behalf with insurance companies, who routinely work to minimize the payout of any claim they cannot deny.
